PARENTS HANDBOOK 2020 2021 - Revised August 16, 2020 - Victus Academy
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PARENTS HANDBOOK
2020 – 2021
Revised August 16, 2020TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLE 1 – SUMMARY....................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE 2 – COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT ............................................................... 2 2.1 How Can Parents be More Involved in and Contribute to the Life of the School? ..................................... 2 2.2 How Should Parents Communicate Their Concerns With the School?...................................................... 2 2.3 Change in Contact Information ................................................................................................................ 2 2.4 Parents Committee .................................................................................................................................. 2 ARTICLE 3 – ACADEMIC LIFE AND HOCKEY PROGRAM ........................................................... 3 3.1 What is the Role of my Child’s Homeroom Teacher (Advisor)? ................................................................. 3 3.2 Is Guidance Available? ............................................................................................................................. 3 3.3 To Whom Should My Child Turn With Academic Concerns or Questions?................................................. 3 3.4 What Happens to Students in Academic Difficulty?.................................................................................. 3 3.5 What if my Child is Not Accustomed to Speaking Up in Class?.................................................................. 4 3.6 Does Victus have a Summer Reading List?................................................................................................ 4 3.7 What if My Child Must Miss a Class Due to Illness? .................................................................................. 4 3.8 What if My Child Must Miss Class Because of Another Commitment? ...................................................... 4 3.9 What if My Child Misses Too Many Classes? ............................................................................................ 4 ARTICLE 4 – ADDITIONAL TOPICS .................................................................................................. 6 4.1 When is School Cancelled?....................................................................................................................... 6 4.2 How Does Victus Provide for Student Safety? .......................................................................................... 6 4.3 What is Victus’ Health Policy on Alcohol and Drugs? ................................................................................ 6 4.4 What is Victus’ Policy on Prescription Drugs?........................................................................................... 6 4.5 What is the Policy on Food? ..................................................................................................................... 6 4.6 What Kind of Clothing Should My Child Wear?......................................................................................... 6 4.7 Are Students Required to Bring a Computer to School?............................................................................ 6
4.8 What Additional Expenses Can We Expect During a School Year?............................................................. 7 4.9 What is My Child’s Responsibility Regarding Athletic Equipment? ........................................................... 7 ARTICLE 5 – RULE BREAKING/DISCIPLINARY ISSUES ............................................................. 8 5.1 What if I Have a Concern About Discipline at the School? ........................................................................ 8 5.2 Do You Have a Policy on Bullying/Harassment? ....................................................................................... 8 5.3 Where Can I Learn More About the Disciplinary Process? ........................................................................ 8 ARTICLE 6 – UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING...................................................................................... 9 6.1 When Should We Begin to Think About the University Application Process? .......................................... 9 6.2 Does Victus Recommend Preparing for Standardized Testing? ................................................................. 9 ARTICLE 7 – CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................10 APPENDICES Appendix A – Contact Information Appendix B – School Hours and Daily Schedule Appendix C – Reporting Periods
ARTICLE 1 – SUMMARY
The Parents Handbook is a supplement to the Victus Playbook and was developed to help you
as parents of our students to have a better understanding of how our school works and to
answer frequently asked questions. We hope this handbook addresses many of your questions
or concerns, but always feel free to contact us about any matter. We adopt a collaborative
process and if you believe there are any matters that should be included in any updates to this
Handbook, please reach out to us.
We look forward to our ongoing discussions with you about your child’s education, hockey
career and well-being.
1ARTICLE 2 – COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT
If you need to get in touch with your child during the school day, please call the office directly
and speak to the office staff who will then make sure that your message gets passed along.
Please do not call or text your son/daughter on their cell phone while they are in class as this
might result in the confiscation of their phone for the remainder of the day.
2.1 How Can Parents be More Involved in and Contribute to the Life of the School?
We welcome all parents to attend athletic events, guest lectures, etc. and will provide
notice of these special events to you. Please note, however, that except in special
circumstances, we do not encourage parents to attend classes, which includes hockey and
strength and conditioning training sessions.
Please attend as many Victus events as possible. We value your participation as we are
proud of our school and it means a great deal to our staff and students. As well,
attending such events will give you a glimpse into the life of a student at Victus.
You could also be a host family to international or out-of-province students playing on
our prep team or otherwise. You can also assist in the admission process by serving as
contacts for parents of newly admitted students as they decide whether Victus is the right
school for the children.
Above all, please be a proud spokesperson for Victus. We want to hear about and want
you to share your Victus experiences.
Parents are also encouraged to volunteer on the parents committee or otherwise with
respect to Victus activities.
2.2 How Should Parents Communicate Their Concerns With the School?
Please always feel free to contact any member of the Victus team, specifically the principal
or office administrator, if you have any questions or concerns, but we suggest you start
with your child’s advisor (homeroom teacher), who should be able to assist you or refer
you to the appropriate person.
2.3 Change in Contact Information
Please provide the Victus Office with any change in address, phone numbers, email
addresses, etc. so that we may update our records accordingly.
2.4 Parents Committee
Victus has a parents committee, composed of parents who assist in a variety of matters
relating to Victus. Please let us know if you are interested in joining.
2ARTICLE 3– ACADEMIC LIFE AND HOCKEY PROGRAM
3.1 What is the Role of my Child’s Homeroom Teacher (Advisor)?
Your child’s homeroom teacher will be his or her advisor. The role of the advisor is to develop
a good and supporting relationship with your child and to provide academic and personal
support and guidance. The key to a successful relationship is communication and trust and we
encourage you and your child to develop such a relationship with the assigned advisor.
The advisor’s role is important for the parents as well. The advisor may periodically contact the
parents to update them on their child’s progress and solicit their input. You should also feel
free to contact your child’s advisor if you ever have any questions or concerns or if you would
just like an update. You can reach your child’s advisor by telephone or email or schedule an
appointment.
If your child is having a problem with the assigned advisor, we suggest you try to keep the lines
of communication open, but in the interim please encourage your child to find support from
another faculty member. We have a robust staff, and given that no one member of our staff will
meet all of a student’s needs, each student should be comfortable communicating with many of
them. If ultimately you or your child feel an advisor change is necessary, we can discuss this
with you.
3.2 Is Guidance Available?
We do offer guidance services, although students are expected to be familiar with their specific
diploma requirements. Prior to enrolment, students should contact faculty to discuss any
questions they may have about their course requirements and selections.
3.3 To Whom Should My Child Turn With Academic Concerns or Questions?
Initially, the student should reach out to his or her advisor for academic assistance. If the
concern or question is particular to one course, the particular teacher should be consulted to
request clarification of a grade, extra help or other assistance. All faculty members are available
to help students with academic issues or concerns.
3.4 What Happens to Students in Academic Difficulty?
Victus has a large support network available to any student who encounters difficulty
academically or athletically. The key is for the student to reach out as soon as he or she is
having trouble keeping up with the demands of a course or program so an action plan can be
developed. A teacher can assist the student in determining what may be the cause of the
problem and help design a plan to address the situation. Many instructors regularly offer extra
help, either one-on-one or in small groups. If at the end of any reporting period, an advisor or
teacher indicates that a student is experiencing a substantial level of difficulty, the student’s
academic report will be reviewed by the principal, who will determine the appropriate next
steps as set out in the Victus Playbook.
33.5 What if my Child is Not Accustomed to Speaking Up in Class?
We recognize that many students are not accustomed to speaking up in class and that it may
take time to develop a comfort level sufficient for full participation in class discussions.
However, we do expect that all students will participate in class discussions in whatever way
they can. If your child finds it difficult to speak up during class, one solution is to ensure they
are well prepared as this may provide the confidence to speak up. Your child’s advisor might
also have some suggestions.
3.6 Does Victus have a Summer Reading List?
Victus Academy encourages all students to use some of their vacation time to read a wide range
of books and publications, or to be involved in other pursuits, other than hockey, that will
enrich and challenge them.
3.7 What if My Child Must Miss a Class Due to Illness?
If a student is not feeling well enough to attend a class, athletic session or other event, he or she
should stay at home, but the parents should call or email the Victus office prior to 8:15 am and
report the absence. If a student is at school and becomes ill, the student should report to the
office. After evaluation, the student will be given a place to rest until feeling well enough to
return to classes or arrangements can be made to return home.
Depending on the severity of the illness, a student may either contact teachers for assignments
or wait until the illness has passed to do the work; however, if a student misses 3 or more days
due to illness, appropriate arrangements will be made to ensure assignments are sent home.
We try to be as accommodating as we can, but ultimately the student is responsible for the
course requirements and material. The reality is that the more classes a student misses, the more
difficult it is to meet the course responsibilities. In most circumstances once the student is
feeling better and resumes classes, they are able to catch up.
3.8 What if My Child Must Miss Class Because of Another Commitment?
If students would like to request permission to miss class or to be late to school because of a
special event, please seek the prior approval of the office. Not all approvals are automatically
granted and the absence may be considered an unexcused absence.
3.9 What if My Child Misses Too Many Classes?
It is imperative that we closely monitor attendance and we have a strict standard for unexcused
absences. Student who have 5 or more unexcused absences in a term are subject to disciplinary
action, as set out in the Victus Playbook. Please note that ice and strength and conditioning are
considered mandatory classes.
We also monitor the number of excused absences. Whether due to hockey tournaments, college
visits or illness, several absences can seriously impact the academic and athletic performance of
our students. If we start to see excessive absences, we will have a discussion with the student
and perhaps their parents to determine how best to deal with this problem. In addition, the
4principal may withhold credit from a course from any student who has missed more than 20%
of scheduled classes in a term. We will provide periodic reports as to the number of excused
and unexcused absences for that term. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your
child’s attendance record, please contact your child’s advisor, or any other member of the
faculty.
5ARTICLE 4 – ADDITIONAL TOPICS
4.1 When is School Cancelled?
In the event of a snow/ice storm, please check 570 News Storm Centre to see whether or not our
school is open or closed. As a rule, if the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is
open, we are open. Whether or not school buses are running does not impact Victus.
If a student determines that driving to school might be hazardous, please stay at home and the
student’s parents should contact the Victus office to report the absence prior to 8:20 am.
4.2 How Does Victus Provide for Student Safety?
Victus take seriously and complies with all health and safety codes and standards. We
coordinate fire alarm drills, fire extinguisher inspections and work closely with the City of
Kitchener and their policies and procedures on life safety issues.
4.3 What is Victus’ Health Policy on Alcohol and Drugs?
Victus strongly believes that alcohol and other drug use interferes with the healthy
development. If a student is discovered using, misusing, possessing, distributing, purchasing or
selling alcohol or other drugs, this infraction will be treated as a major disciplinary offence and
will be dealt with by the principal.
4.4 What is Victus’ Policy on Prescription Drugs?
Students are allowed to self-administer all appropriately prescribed prescription drugs. The
required form to be completed is available at the main office.
4.5 What is the Policy on Food?
We encourage students to eat “silent food” in their classroom subject always to (i) the direction
of their teachers; and (ii) good judgment and common sense, in each case so as not to distract
other students. All food that needs to be heated up prior to consumption should be consumed
during their lunch time. Under no circumstance is food to be consumed in the dressing rooms.
4.6 What Kind of Clothing Should My Child Wear?
Victus has adopted a dress code which is required for all school attendances, as well as campus
activities. The purpose of the dress code is to reflect the discipline and seriousness of purpose
we associate with our school. The dress code is found in the Victus Playbook.
4.7 Are Students Required to Bring a Computer to School?
Students are required to bring a laptop (and charger) to school each day, although we do not
require a specific brand or operating system.
64.8 What Additional Expenses Can We Expect During a School Year?
Victus is very transparent as to tuition and other expenses. There are no additional expenses
relating to books and school supplies. The only additional expenses are:
(1) approximately $200 for a year end trip;
(2) the cost of any on-line course your student chooses to take that is not a pre-
requisite to attending university; and
(3) the cost of any year end hockey tournament your child chooses to participate in.
4.9 What is My Child’s Responsibility Regarding Athletic Equipment?
Victus will provide practise jerseys and socks for the on-ice program and one set of workout
gear for the gym. Students are responsible for providing all other athletic equipment, including
hockey sticks.
7ARTICLE 5– RULE BREAKING/DISCIPLINARY ISSUES
5.1 What if I Have a Concern About Discipline at the School?
Parents may hear about a problem before we do. If you are concerned about your child or
another student and would like someone at Victus to check into the situation, please contact the
Principal immediately. You do not need to share the names of the other students involved
unless you want to do so. In most circumstances, we do not have to share your name when
addressing the problem.
5.2 Do You Have a Policy on Bullying/Harassment?
We expect our students to act in a courteous, respectful and civil manner toward one another.
Bullying, hazing and harassment are major offences and will not be tolerated. We regularly
discuss these issues with students. We encourage all parents and students to review the
statement about bullying found in the Victus Playbook and we encourage you to review this
with your child. If you ever have any concerns that a student might be the victim of bullying,
hazing or harassment, please immediately contact us.
5.3 Where Can I Learn More About the Disciplinary Process?
The disciplinary process is described in detail in the Victus Playbook. If at any time you have
any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
8ARTICLE 6 – UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING
6.1 When Should We Begin to Think About the University Application Process?
Without question, the university application and decision process is important, but it does not
necessarily need to begin before grade 10. It is usually not helpful to put too much pressure on
a student about university too early, as that may in fact prove to be counter-productive. The
Grade 9 and 10 curriculum is designed to provide a broad curriculum to allow students to excel
academically and pursue their hockey and extra-curricular interests with passion. In Grade 11,
however, we start to explore the post-secondary admission process in more depth.
6.2 Does Victus Recommend Preparing for Standardized Testing?
We recommend that all students be prepared for standardized testing but are of the view that
the best preparation is found in the day-to-day school work of our students. However, there are
some challenges associated with standardized testing and some students may need extra help
and we can assist in this regard.
9ARTICLE 7 – CONCLUSION
No one of us is as good as all of us. Victus wouldn’t exist without its dedicated parents and
student body. We know all students and parents enter into our program with a serious
purpose and our goal is to provide every student with the tools to allow them to achieve
their potential and the role of parents is critical in this regard. We hope this Handbook
answers some of your questions and assists you in fulfilling your important role with
Victus.
10APPENDIX A
CONTACT INFORMATION
Victus Academy
35 Sportsworld Crossing Road
Kitchener, ON
N2P 0A5
Office: 519.219.5900
Fax : 226.806.0230
Email: info@victusacademy.com
Instagram: @victusacademy
Twitter: @victusacademy
Facebook: Victus Academy
www.victusacademy.com
Principal: Chuck Williams:
Telephone: 519.219.5900
Administrative Office: Rose Schmidt, Colleen Norcott:
Hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Telephone: 519.219.5900APPENDIX B
DAILY SCHEDULE
Monday – Thursday - SEMESTER 1 HIGH SCHOOL TIMETABLE
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Time
8:20-8:25
HOMEROOM
8:25-9:35 Ice Strength Intro to Anthro Science Assistance (TH)
(DM) English Assistance
HSP3U (JA)
9:45-10:55 Strength English (JA) Biology (TH) Social Studies
ENG2D SBI3U Assistance (DM)
11:00-12:10 Science (TH) Ice Ice Ice
SNC1D
12:10-12:50
LUNCH
12:50-2:00 English (JA) History (DM) Strength Strength
ENG1D CHC2D
2:05-3:15 Business Tech (JA) Media Arts (DM) Math (TH) Work Period
BTT1O ASM2O MCR3U
Fridays - SEMESTER 1 HIGH SCHOOL TIMETABLE
Time Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
8:20-8:25 HOMEROOM
8:25-9:35 Science (TH) English (JA) Intro to Anthro Work Period
SNC1D ENG2D (DM)
HSP3U
9:37-10:47 Athletic Athletic Athletic Athletic Curriculum
Curriculum Curriculum Curriculum
10:50-12:00 English (JA) History (DM) Biology (JR) Work Period
ENG1D CHC2D SBI3U
12:00-12:30 LUNCH
12:30-1:40 Business Tech (JA) Media Arts (DM) Math (TH) Work Period
BTT1O ASM2O MCR3U
JA – Mr. Jesse Adair TH - Mr. Trevor Hodgson DM - Mr. David Moore
Notes:
Schedule subject to change
Homework club will resume after school, 3:15-4:00pm
Elementary Timetables will be handed out on the first day of schoolMonday – Thursday - SEMESTER 2 HIGH SCHOOL TIMETABLE
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Time
8:20-8:25
HOMEROOM
8:25-9:35 Ice Strength Chemistry (TH) Social Studies
SCH3U Assistance (DM)
English Assistance
(JA)
9:45-10:55 Strength Civics/Careers Entrepreneurship (JA) Math/Science
(DM) BDI3C Assistance (TH)
CHV2O/GLC2O
11:00-12:10 Math (JA) Ice Ice Ice
MPM1D
12:10-12:50
LUNCH
12:50-2:00 Food & Nutrition Science (TH) Strength Strength
(DM) SNC2D
HFN1O
2:05-3:15 Geography (DM) Math (TH) English (JA) Work Period
CGC1D MPM2D ENG3U
Fridays - SEMESTER 2 HIGH SCHOOL TIMETABLE
Time Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
8:20-8:25 HOMEROOM
8:25-9:35 Math (JA) Civics / Careers Chemistry (TH) Work Period
MPM1D (DM) SCH3U
CHV2O/GLC2O
9:37-10:47 Athletic Curriculum Athletic Curriculum Athletic Curriculum Athletic
Curriculum
10:50-12:00 Food & Nutrition Science (TH) Entrepreneurship (JA) Work Period
(DM) SNC2D BDI3C
HFN1O
12:00-12:30 LUNCH
12:30-1:40 Geography (DM) Math (TH) English (JA) Work Period
CGC1D MPM2D ENG3U
JA – Mr. Jesse Adair DM - Mr. David Moore TH - Mr. Trevor Hodgson
Notes:
Schedule subject to change
Homework club will still resume after school.
2APPENDIX C
REPORTING PERIODS
Reporting Student Achievement to Parents:
There are several reporting periods throughout the school year and they will be posted and
updated as required on our website. This year the reporting dates are as follows:
Highschool Reporting Periods
Fall Semester/Semester 1:
October 21, 2020 (Progress Report)
November 20, 2020 (Mid-term Report)
February 2, 2021 (Final Report)
Winter Semester/Semester 2:
March 12, 2021 (Progress Report)
April 16, 2021 (Mid-term Report)
June 30, 2021 (Final Report)
Elementary Reporting Periods
October 23, 2020 (Progress Report)
December 18, 2020 (First Report)
March 12, 2021 (Second Report)
June 18, 2021 (Final Report)
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